Authentic Piri Piri Sauce for Grilled Delights
Experience the rich and zesty flavors of Portugal with this Authentic Piri Piri Sauce, perfect for marinating chicken or grilling seafood. Originating from the famed churrasqueira style of cooking, this sauce combines a lively mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices that elevate your dishes to new heights. The secret lies in the balance of heat and flavor, making it an excellent choice not only for chicken but also for shrimp and fish, providing a delightful twist on your seafood experiences. Ensure you marinate your meat or seafood for a few hours for the best taste, and enjoy the smoky, spicy goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coasts of Portugal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
5 tablespoons (extra virgin preferred)
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (preferably aged for enhanced flavor)
Cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (ground)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (smoked for added depth)
Salt
1 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
Chili flakes
1 tablespoon (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and chili flakes.
2
Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and a smooth sauce is formed.
3
For best results, marinate your chicken or seafood in the Piri Piri sauce for at least 1 hour before cooking, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4
When ready to cook, brush additional sauce onto the chicken or seafood.
5
Grill on medium-high heat until fully cooked; alternatively, bake chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1.25 hours. Avoid opening the oven door during the entire cooking process to ensure a juicy texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Piri Piri Sauce?
It is a rich and zesty Portuguese sauce known for its blend of lemon, oil, and spices, ideal for marinating and grilling.
Where does this sauce originate?
The sauce originates from the traditional Portuguese churrasqueira style of cooking.
What types of meat work best with this sauce?
It is perfect for chicken, but also provides a delightful twist on seafood such as shrimp and fish.
How long should I marinate the meat?
For best results, marinate your chicken or seafood for at least 1 hour, or up to a few hours for deeper flavor.
What kind of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its quality and flavor in this recipe.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, preferably aged for enhanced depth.
Is this sauce spicy?
Yes, it contains a balanced heat from ground cayenne pepper and crushed chili flakes.
What gives the sauce its smoky flavor?
Smoked paprika is used to provide a smoky depth that complements grilled dishes.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and the spice mix in a bowl until smooth.
What temperature should I bake the chicken?
If baking, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken take to bake?
Baking typically takes approximately 1.25 hours.
What is the secret to a juicy texture when baking?
Avoid opening the oven door during the entire cooking process to lock in the juices.
How should I grill with this sauce?
Grill the marinated meat on medium-high heat until it is fully cooked.
Should I add more sauce while cooking?
Yes, you should brush additional sauce onto the chicken or seafood when you are ready to cook.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of garlic is best for this recipe?
One tablespoon of minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor distribution.
What kind of salt should I use?
Kosher or sea salt is recommended for this authentic Portuguese sauce.
How many ingredients are in the Piri Piri sauce?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the liquids and spices.
What are the heat elements in the sauce?
The heat comes from ground cayenne pepper and crushed chili flakes.
Can I use this sauce on shrimp?
Yes, it is excellent for shrimp and elevates the seafood experience.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine all liquid and dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be whisked thoroughly until it is completely smooth.
Is this sauce suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is highly recommended for barbecue cooking and grilled delights.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How much paprika is used?
Use 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika to add depth to the sauce.
Can I use this for fish?
Yes, the sauce provides a zesty flavor profile that works well with various types of fish.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the lemon juice bottled or fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the most authentic taste.
What is the role of balsamic vinegar?
It provides a tangy acidity and richness that balances the heat of the peppers.
What does 'churrasqueira' mean?
It refers to a Portuguese style of barbecue or grill from which this sauce originates.